A very famous interviewer of children, Art Linkletter, often used this phrase, “Children say the strangest things.”

In this story, Bernice said something she really believed, but perhaps not something she was “supposed to say!"

How often do we try to make up for something we do wrong and simply make matters worse? Sometimes our own honesty is too harsh, even though it might be truth.

Bernice was born in Duluth, Minnesota in 1919. She grew up during the roaring 20’s and 30’s in an environment far different from children today. The 20’s and the 30’s were good times for most Americans. World War I was over. Our country had just suffered through a war; a war that was supposed to be the war to end all wars. Americans were very excited about the future. 

Bernice’s mother, Claire, belonged to a country club. The High Tea on the first Saturday in May was of special importance. This was a time when mothers got to “show off” their daughters’ maturity and grace. Claire proudly dressed Bernice in her finest white dress complete with white gloves.

Since this was Bernice’s first high tea, the rules of proper etiquette were gone over and over. Claire went to great lengths to teach Bernice all the proper etiquettes; smile when you are smiled at, don't talk to anyone unless you are first spoken to, always walk, never talk while chewing your food and to eat her food only when you observe adults eating first

Bernice was very nervous as she walked up the steps of the country club but also very proud to be at her mother’s side. She saw many of her friends but knew this wasn’t the time to talk. Devotedly, she stayed at her mother’s side and followed all the rules of behavior. It was an extremely proud day for her and she totally got caught up with the occasion. She appreciated the dainty tea cups, the sparkling candles and the dancing sounds of women’s laughter.

Finally, it was time to be seated. The cakes and coffee were served and Bernice and her mother sat down next to an elderly neighbor lady named Lucille.

Bernice was very hungry but she resisted taking the first bite off her plate until she saw her mother eat first. All was going well until Lucille accidentally spilled her tea all-over her dress. Without thinking, out of Bernice's mouth came these words, “You are a pig!” Bernice knew immediately she had done something wrong.

An immediate hush spread throughout the room as many ladies clasped their mouths in astonishment!  Her mother quickly reprimanded her poor choice of words both verbally and through her actions, while trying to contain herself in front of all of her friends.

Bernice knew she had to do something to dig her way out of the situation, so she again turned to Lucille and retorted, “But, you are a nice pig!”

Don Schmitz is a popular speaker and writer on parenting and grandparenting. He is the author of The New Face of Grandparenting…Why Parents Need Their Own Parents and founder of The Grandkidsandme Foundation and Grandparent Camps. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration and Human Development. He is the father to three sons and nine grandchildren. Contact Don@grandkidsandme.com